Kansas got the ball inside often and successfully, getting 28 points in the paint. They also took advantage of the Red Raiders’ 16 turnovers, converting them into 17 points.

After shooting just 28 percent in the first half, Kansas more than doubled that, hitting 14 of 23 shots.

Young, who hit just one field goal in the first half, provided the early spark, scoring eight of the Jayhawks’ first 12 points during a span that saw the Red Raiders go completely cold — no points for nearly six minutes.

Releford got back-to-back steals during a 12-3 run late in the game. On one, he fed Young for a layup and on the second one he outraced his defender and dunked it to put the Jayhawks up 58-40.

Naadir Tharpe came off the bench in the second half and gave Kansas a lift from behind the arc, making both of his 3-pointers.

Jaye Crockett, averaging 14.8 points to lead the Red Raiders, usually comes off the bench to give Texas Tech a boost. On Saturday, he came in after the first four minutes of the game but did not score in the next 34 minutes. He got a 3-pointer with less two minutes remaining in the game.

The Jayhawks continued their pursuit of a record ninth straight Big 12 title. Kansas has won six outright championships and twice shared the title with Texas, in 2006 and ‘08 — the year the Jayhawks won the national title.

The Red Raiders stayed close in the first half, and if not for 13 turnovers and the number of times they sent the Jayhawks to the line, they might have held the lead at halftime. Kansas hit 16 of 18 free throws off 13 Texas Tech fouls and led 27-25 at the break.

It was the Jayhawks’ lowest first-half scoring total this season, fewer than the 28 they got in a win over Chattanooga early in the season.

The Red Raiders finished the half on a 5-1 run, including three free throws by Jamal Williams, who was fouled on a 3-point attempt by Elijah Johnson with five seconds remaining.